ForestIndustries.EU - British Columbia's public dispute on Forestshttp://forestindustries.eu/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests
There is some dispute ongoing in British Columbia regarding the treatment of forests and first nation people rights
enForests minister launches boost for timber industry at Victoria conventionhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/forests-minister-launches-boost-timber-industry-victoria-convention
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Forests minister launches boost for timber industry at Victoria convention</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">January 17, 2013</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Times Colonist</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.timescolonist.com/</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Andrew Duffy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.timescolonist.com/authors?author=Andrew Duffy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In a bid to spur timber harvesting on the coast, the provincial government announced it will look at new technology for scaling logs, fast-track the auction of an additional 500,000 cubic metre of timber and make improvements to the log-export system.<br />
The initiatives were unveiled by Forests Minister Steve Thomson at the Truck Loggers Association’s convention and is designed to stimulate economic activity in the woods as timber markets are rebounding.<br />
“Our focus and goal is to increase jobs, economic activity and opportunity for coastal communities and First Nations,” Thomson told reporters following his speech. He noted the increase in volumes of wood sold by B.C. Timber Sales and the changes in log-export policy are designed to increase harvesting activity on the coast.<br />
The accelerated auction of 500,000 cubic metres between now and June will address a shortage in short-term log supply.<br />
The new scanner technology uses lasers to determine the volume of a log and could be a more efficient and less expensive way of scaling. The ministry is also exploring ways to ensure the entire timber profile available on the coast is harvested more consistently.<br />
The changes to log-export policy, long a contentious issue on the coast, is unlikely to settle the debate over the practice.<br />
The revisions announced Thursday include a change to the fee structure for exporting some logs.<br />
Actual export fees charged will be based on the difference between the domestic and export price of log. With a current average price difference between the domestic and export price, that would be a 20 per cent increase in fees charged for exporting logs from the coast.<br />
Thomson also introduced a change to fees charged on logs from high-cost harvesting areas like the mid-coast timber supply area. The fee on low- and mid-grade logs will be reduced to a minimum of $1 per cubic metre for a two-year trial period.<br />
The province contends the high cost of logging and low value of timber in the remote area has resulted in lessened economic activity, and the hope is a reduced fee will increase harvesting activity while at the same time “dampening” the export activity.<br />
“The goal is to make more wood available for the domestic industry,” said Thomson. “It’s all about finding a measured, balanced approach ... recognizing the ability to export logs is a key component to the coastal forest industry and needs to be allowed for the economic profile to be harvested.”<br />
Ric Slaco, vice-president of forest giant Interfor, said the government seems to have found that balance with the fee increase for export logs and reducing fees for logs harvested in challenging regions.<br />
“The consequence of that is some of those logs will end up in domestic mills and, as a domestic manufacturer, we say that’s balanced,” Slaco said. “It takes an emotionally charged issue like log exports and puts it in perspective that makes sense. We’re not dismissing the needs of domestic users like ourselves and, at the same time, not ignoring the fact that if you don’t have an export opportunity you won’t have logs harvested in certain areas of the province.”<br />
Rick Jeffery, CEO of the Coast Forest Products Association, said it also narrows the gap between actual harvest and the annual allowable cut (AAC) companies can take from Crown land each year.<br />
“We haven’t cut the AAC since 2004,” Jeffery said. “What the minister has done is put some brakes on the export piece but has also balanced that off.”<br />
Jeffery said for every log exported, two head to domestic mills. The new initiatives to stimulate harvesting could result in an additional 1.4 million cubic metres harvested this year.<br />
Bill Markvoort, president of the Truck Loggers Association, said while companies don’t like additional costs, the organization understands “the balance required between domestic manufacturers and the international marketplace.”<br />
However, he said the 20 per cent increase announced in fees charged for exporting logs from the coast has the potential to negatively impact TLA members’ ability to harvest the coastal annual allowable cut.<br />
“Our inability to economically harvest the full annual allowable cut stymies job creation,” he said.<br />
According to the TLA, since 2000 almost 58 million cubic metres of the annual allowable cut has remained uncu. During the same period, just over 41 million cubic metres was exported.<br />
The TLA estimates the undercut represents 4,100 jobs lost per year and more than $2 billion in lost revenue to the province.</p>
<p>------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Some response by Anthony Britneff:</p>
<p>Forests Minister Steve Thomson failed to address a fundamental problem of the coastal forest industry driving log exports — the lack of investment in retooling existing mills and in building new milling capacity for second-growth timber.</p>
<p>With competing economic value being placed on the ecological services that old-growth forests provide, such as purifying water, cleaning air (carbon) and conserving soil, any future increase in the number of jobs will be greatly leveraged upward by adding value in the manufacturing sector to the smaller volumes of timber being felled. By continuing to stimulate log exports, the provincial government is doing the opposite.</p>
<p>In theory, raw logs can be exported only if they meet the test of being surplus to the needs of domestic mills. By increasing the amount of public timber available for harvesting, the government will ensure that log exporters meet that surplus test even more easily than they have done during a decade of mill closures.</p>
<p>All the government will achieve is the maintenance of existing harvesting jobs propped up by increasing log exports and a continuation of a self-fulfilling death spiral of manufacturing jobs.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/business/forests-minister-launches-boost-for-timber-industry-at-victoria-convention-1.50041">http://www.timescolonist.com/business/forests-minister-launches-boost-for-timber-industry-at-victori...</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/expand-milling-capacity-to-keep-jobs-at-home-1.53080">http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/expand-milling-capacity-to-keep-jobs-at-home-1.53080</a></p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forest-products" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forest products</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/s%C3%A4geindustrie" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sägeindustrie</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/seefracht" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Seefracht</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/holzprodukte/rundholz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Rundholz</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/holzprodukte/s%C3%A4gerundholz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sägerundholz</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/saw-milling-industry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Saw milling industry</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/overseas-shipping" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">overseas shipping</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/timber-products/roundwood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Roundwood</a><a href="/category/forest-products-marketsholzproduktm%C3%A4rkte/timber-products/sawlogs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">sawlogs</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Sun, 03 Feb 2013 09:14:43 +0000Markus Sommerauer4375 at http://forestindustries.euBen Parfitt: Sneaky Liberals are planning a B.C. forest giveawayhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/ben-parfitt-sneaky-liberals-are-planning-bc-forest-giveaway
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">January 27, 2013</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Prvonice</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://blogs.theprovince.com</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Given the short duration of the upcoming legislative session and the provincial election to follow, a government plan to introduce a scant two-paragraph bill granting it powers to fundamentally alter the course of forestry in B.C. is disturbing, to say the least.</p>
<p>According to several sources who have been briefed on the legislation, the bill would give the provincial cabinet powers to grant forest companies de facto private control over public forestlands without first having to notify or consult with the public.</p>
<p>Instead of companies enjoying rights to log set volumes of trees on public forestlands, companies would gain dramatically expanded powers to log trees on defined areas that in effect become their own semi-private fiefdoms.</p>
<p>The bill follows a year in which the government has faced mounting criticism over a forest-health crisis due to decades of over-cutting and an unprecedented mountain pine beetle attack. Numerous sawmills now face closure, with all the hardships that portends for many rural communities.</p>
<p>It also follows the losses of sawmills in Burns Lake and Prince George due to explosions and ensuing fires. In the wake of those events, various government documents were leaked indicating that the provincial government was revisiting a controversial “rollover” idea first pursued 25 years ago. At that time it met with such a groundswell of political and public opposition that the initiative was scuttled.</p>
<p>Then-provincial forest critic and MLA for Prince Rupert, Dan Miller, called it “privatization on a massive scale” and warned: “Never before in the history of the province has this kind of giveaway been contemplated.”</p>
<p>The policy as then envisioned is precisely the one now being contemplated by the government. Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson indicated so in a letter last September to Steve Zika, CEO of Hampton Affiliates, which owns the destroyed Burns Lake mill.</p>
<p>If the new legislation passes, the provincial cabinet could grant forest companies the rights to roll over numerous volume-based forest licences into area-based Tree Farm Licences. TFLs bestow by far the most secure rights of access to publicly owned trees of any arrangement with the provincial government. The new legislation could massively expand their use, beyond the limited number now issued.</p>
<p>TFL lands still remain publicly owned and the government still collects timber-cutting or stumpage fees from the companies logging them — although distressingly few such fees in recent years. But once a TFL is granted, a company has something that is very difficult for the province to take back without triggering prohibitively expensive compensation payouts.</p>
<p>Worse, TFLs become tradable or sellable assets. If the right corporate suitor comes along, say a pension fund that has zero interest in maintaining sawmills, let alone building desperately needed value-added facilities like furniture plants, so be it.</p>
<p>Forest-company executives routinely trot out the trope that TFLs provide them the security they need to invest in renewing forests. But such claims are not credible. Companies have historically made the minimal reforestation investments required by law, regardless of the licensing arrangement with the government.</p>
<p>The “security” argument is a smokescreen, then, designed to draw attention away from the real reason companies covet TFLs — their asset value.</p>
<p>The government will no doubt argue that by granting Hampton a TFL it gives the company the assurance it needs to build a new mill in Burns Lake. But in making the offer to all other forest companies, the government opens the door to a rapid escalation in corporate control of public forestlands. With the change, some of the biggest forest companies in the province — Canfor, West Fraser and Tolko — could gain unprecedented sway over public forestlands, without having to make any investments along the lines of what Hampton proposes.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of such a fundamental change on the eve of a provincial election is that the government leaves unaddressed the most evident problems.</p>
<p>Our forests face the gravest health crisis in modern history.</p>
<p>Communities that have for decades depended on our forests for their social and economic well-being, face equally daunting challenges.</p>
<p>Yet there is a way out. Policies that would end rampant wood waste, policies that would earmark certain forested areas as available to log in exchange for company commitments to make minimal investments in new or modernized mills, policies that would result in greater, more effective reforestation efforts, are all within our grasp.</p>
<p>In their absence, giving what remains of our forests away is lunacy. A responsible government would delay implementing such contentious legislation and give the public time to digest the implications of such a move. Or the Opposition could signal now that should such a bill pass it would be immediately repealed upon a change in government.</p>
<p><em>Ben Parfitt is a resource-policy analyst with the <a href="http://www.policyalternatives.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives</strong></a>.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://blogs.theprovince.com/2013/01/27/ben-parfitt-sneaky-liberals-are-planning-a-b-c-forest-giveaway/">http://blogs.theprovince.com/2013/01/27/ben-parfitt-sneaky-liberals-are-planning-a-b-c-forest-giveaway/</a></p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/land-tenure-rights" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Land tenure rights</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/landnutzungsrechte" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Landnutzungsrechte</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Sun, 03 Feb 2013 09:10:09 +0000Markus Sommerauer4374 at http://forestindustries.euSteps taken to improve coastal forest economyhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/steps-taken-improve-coastal-forest-economy
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Jan. 17, 2013</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Government of British Columbia</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>To increase harvesting activity on the coast, government is exploring the use of new scanner technology for scaling logs, accelerating the auction of an additional 500,000 cubic metres by BC Timber Sales, improving the log-export system and exploring ways to better harvest the timber profile.</p>
<p>Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced the initiatives today in his speech to the 70th annual general meeting of the Truck Loggers Association.</p>
<p>BC Timber Sales is accelerating the auction of 500,000 cubic metres of wood between now and June in order to address a shortage in short-term log supply. The new scanner technology uses lasers to determine the volume of a log and could be a more efficient way of scaling. The ministry is also exploring ways to ensure the entire timber profile available on the coast is harvested more consistently.</p>
<p>Log export policy revisions include a change to the fee structure for exporting some logs. Actual export fees charged will be based on the difference between the domestic and export price of logs. With a current average price difference between the domestic and export price, this represents a 20 per cent increase in fees charged for exporting logs from the coast. However, the revised fee does not apply to logs exported under existing Orders in Council. The new fee schedule comes into effect March 1, 2013.</p>
<p>A change in the fee schedule for logs exported under Order in Council from the Mid Coast timber supply area is also coming into effect immediately. The fee on low- and mid-grade logs will be reduced to a minimum of $1.00 per cubic metre for a two-year trial period. The high cost of logging and low value of timber in this remote area has resulted in lessened economic activity. The lower fee should increase harvesting activity in this remote area.</p>
<p>The higher price from exported logs allows forest companies to harvest stands that would otherwise be uneconomic and provide for increased harvesting and economic activity.</p>
<p>The log export review also improves transparency and predictability by clarifying that freight will be considered on any domestic offers for logs proposed for export. The cost of transporting logs from one of four commonly used locations to Vancouver will be a factor considered when addressing bids by domestic buyers.</p>
<p>Other administrative changes include improvements to the log export data system and clarifying policies for timber marking and scaling.</p>
<p><strong>Quotes:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson —</strong></p>
<p>“The increase in volumes of wood sold by BC Timber Sales, and the changes in log-export policy, are designed to increase harvesting activity on the coast, making more wood available on the market.”</p>
<p><strong>Bill Markvoort, president, Truck Loggers Association —</strong></p>
<p>“As much as we don’t like increases to operational costs, such as this overall increase in log-export fees, we understand the balance required between domestic manufacturers and the international marketplace. We strongly support the two-year trial period to reduce the fee-in-lieu in the Mid Coast and believe this will increase jobs and harvesting opportunities in that area.”</p>
<p><strong>Rick Jeffery, president, Coast Forest Products Association —</strong></p>
<p>“The policy and initiatives announced today by the minister will further strengthen our world-class sustainable forest management and improve competitiveness in the coastal forest industry. It emphasizes a more balanced approach that will put more British Columbians to work in the forest industry.”</p>
<p><strong>Hans Granander, Bella Coola Resource Society —</strong></p>
<p>“We’ve been advocating for a lower fee for some time, so we’re glad to see the fee reduction in the Mid Coast. This will help us increase our harvest and support the jobs our community forest provides.”</p>
<p><strong>Quick Facts:</strong></p>
<p>· Thomson committed to a review of the province’s log export policies in July 2011, given the increase in log exports that year. Three multi-stakeholder forums and almost 50 submissions were considered in reaching the final decisions.</p>
<p>· The fee schedule for log exports was last updated in August 2004. B.C. is the only Canadian province to charge fees-in-lieu of manufacturing on its log exports.</p>
<p>· In 2011, the province collected $21.3 million from log export fees.</p>
<p>· Cypress and cedar are not allowed to be exported.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Learn More:</strong></p>
<p>For more information visit: <a href="http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/het/export">www.for.gov.bc.ca/het/export</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Two backgrounders follow (fee schedule, OICs, TEAC TOR).</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:119px;height:21px;">
<p>Media Contact:</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width:501px;height:21px;">
<p>Vivian Thomas, Communications Manager</p>
<p>Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations</p>
<p>250 356-2475</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Connect with the Province of B.C. at: <a href="http://www.gov.bc.ca/connect">www.gov.bc.ca/connect</a></p>
<p align="center">BACKGROUNDER 1</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:319px;">
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width:319px;">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p align="center"><strong>Coastal log export fee schedule</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Log-export fees on coastal logs were last revised in August 2004. Log-export fees are calculated as follows:</p>
<p>· 15 per cent of the domestic log values for Douglas fir, all grades.</p>
<p>· 10 per cent of the domestic log value for all other coastal coniferous species and grades except grades U and lower.</p>
<p>· 5 per cent of the domestic log value for grades U, X, Y and Z for all coniferous species except Douglas fir.</p>
<p>· A fee of $1.00 per cubic metre applies for all deciduous species of timber.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In all cases, the log export fee is a minimum of $1.00 per cubic metre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Effective March 1, 2013, the fee charged for exporting logs from provincial Crown land in the Coast Area will now also recognize the differential between export price and domestic price of a log, which is due to many factors, as well as the value of the log. The greater the difference between the export price and domestic price of a log, the higher the export fee will be. The multiplication factor as outlined in the table below will apply to existing fees. This new fee will not apply to logs exported under Orders in Council that are in place for Haida Gwaii, North Coast or Mid Coast (see map). <a href="http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/het/export">www.for.gov.bc.ca/het/export</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Difference Between Export and Fee-in-lieu Multiplication Factor<br />
Domestic Prices (per m<sup>3</sup>) </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">$ 0 to $10.00 1.0</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">$10.01 to $20.00 1.1</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">$20.01 to $30.00 1.2</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">$30.01 to $40.00 1.3</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">$40.01 to $50.00 1.4</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">&gt;$50.00 1.5</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For example, the 2011 average export fee on a cubic metre of timber was $7.00 per cubic metre. The current difference between export price and domestic price is $27.00 per cubic metre. Accordingly the new average log export fee will now be ($7.00 x 1.2) $8.40 per cubic metre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Log export fees for the Interior remain at $1.00 per cubic metre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Log Exports – surplus test</strong></p>
<p>The Forest Act, since it was introduced in 1912, has always included provisions for limited log exports. Logs can either be exported through an Order in Council, or ministerial exemptions. A company that wishes to export logs must first advertise logs for domestic purchase first. If there is no domestic buyer, then logs are allowed to be exported. The Minister’s Timber Export Advisory Committee reviews all offers to determine whether they meet fair market value. The minister confirmed today that significant freight costs must be a factor considered in domestic bids for logs proposed for export.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Mid Coast log export Order in Council (OIC)</strong></p>
<p>Effective Jan. 17, 2013, the fee for mid- and low- grade logs (H, I, J, U, X and Y) exported under the Mid Coast OIC will be reduced to the greater of one per cent of the domestic value of the log or $1.00 cubic metre for a two-year trial period. The intent of the lower fee on lower grade logs is to encourage more harvesting. In 2011 only 10 per cent of the allowable annual cut was harvested. The fee schedule for higher grade logs does not change. Logs exported under this OIC will not be subject to the increased fee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For example, if a volume of logs with 30 per cent high grade, 30 per cent mid grade and 40 per cent low grade were to be exported under the Mid Coast OIC, 30 per cent of the volume would have a fee assessed that would be 10 to 15 per cent of the domestic value of the log. 70 per cent of the volume would require a fee of $1 per cubic metre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Orders in Council for exports of Standing Timber </strong></p>
<p>Section 127 of the Forest Act allows “blanket” exemptions from manufacturing restrictions to allow limited exports of logs from a given geographic area. Logs exported under an OIC are limited to a percentage of the harvest and are not subject to the surplus test. These OIC are usually put in place to support local employment. The following log export OICs are currently in effect around the province:</p>
<p style="margin-left:.25in;">- Haida Gwaii – First came into effect in 1986, terminated in 1992, brought back into effect on July 29, 2010 and expires July 29, 2015. It allows 35 per cent of logs harvested to be exported (except cedar and cypress)</p>
<p style="margin-left:.25in;">- Skeena Stikine - First came into effect in 1986, was renewed on June 26, 2008 and expires June 26, 2013. It allows 35 per cent of logs harvested to be exported (except cedar and cypress). Covers current districts of Kalum and Skeena Stikine</p>
<p style="margin-left:.25in;">- North Coast district - First came into effect in 1986, was renewed on June 26, 2008 and expires June 26, 2013, It allows 35 per cent of logs harvested to be exported (except cedar and cypress)</p>
<p style="margin-left:.25in;">- Northwest Coast (current Mid Coast area) - First came into effect in 1986, terminated in 1992, brought back in 2006, was renewed on June 26, 2008 and expires June 26, 2013. It allows 35 per cent of logs harvested to be exported (except cedar and cypress). With this announcement, it’s being extended to June 26, 2015.</p>
<p style="margin-left:.25in;">- Nass Timber Supply Area – First came into effect in 1986, was renewed June 26, 2008 and expires on June 26, 2018. It allows 100 per cent of logs harvested to be exported.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:119px;height:21px;">
<p>Media Contact:</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width:501px;height:21px;">
<p>Vivian Thomas, Communications Manager</p>
<p>Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations</p>
<p>250 356-2475</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Connect with the Province of B.C. at: <a href="http://www.gov.bc.ca/connect">www.gov.bc.ca/connect</a></p>
<p><br clear="all" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">BACKGROUNDER 2</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:319px;">
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width:319px;">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p align="center"><strong>Timber Export Advisory Committee Terms of Reference</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>1. Constitution</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> The Timber Export Advisory Committee (“TEAC”) is an advisory committee established by the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (“the Minister”), to provide recommendations to the Minister regarding the export of timber originating from lands within British Columbia that is regulated for manufacture in British Columbia by the Government of British Columbia.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>2. Membership</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;"> TEAC will consist of a Chair, not more than eleven (11) members, and a Coordinating Secretary.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;">The Chair and members are to be persons with suitable background knowledge in some or all of the following areas: the practicalities and economics of conducting logging operations; the practicalities and economics of operating a wood product manufacturing facility; and knowledge of the domestic and export log markets. The membership is to represent all areas of the province where timber exports are prevalent.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;">The Chair will be appointed for a term of five (5) years and members will be appointed for terms of three (3) years by the Minister. Member terms will be staggered over time to maintain continuity of TEAC. The Chair and member terms may be extended or abbreviated by approval of the Minister.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;">The Coordinating Secretary and his/her alternate will serve as directed by the Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.25pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>3. Accountability</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> TEAC will report, through the Chair, to the Minister or a designate.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>4. Functions and Responsibilities</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;">(a) <strong>Applications for Exemption</strong><br />
Applications for Exemption to Export Unmanufactured Timber Products (“Applications”) that are advertised on the Provincial Bi-Weekly Advertising List and receive valid offers to purchase the advertised timber (“Offers”) will be referred to TEAC.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;">For each Application that has a related Offer, TEAC will consider whether or not the Offer is fair relative to TEAC’s understanding of the domestic market value of the timber under the Application and, on the basis of a consensus, dispose of the Application by issuing one of the following:</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- a recommendation to the Minister that the timber under Application should be considered surplus to requirements of timber processing facilities in British Columbia;</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- a recommendation to the Minister that the timber under Application should not be considered surplus to requirements of timber processing facilities in British Columbia; or</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- a request for further information.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>(b) </strong><strong>Other Advice and Recommendations</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;">From time to time, TEAC, of its own volition, or in response to a request from the Minister or a designate, will provide advice and recommendations on:</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- timber export policy;</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- timber export proposals, including proposals relating to Forest Act Sections 128 (3) (a), (b) or (c);</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- other applications to exempt timber from the requirements of manufacture within the province, and</p>
<p style="margin-left:42.6pt;">- the percentage of standing timber volume, by species, grade and geographic region, to be exempted from the requirement of manufacture in British Columbia, and the term of standing timber exemptions.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>5. Powers of the Chair</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> The Chair will designate a member as Vice-Chair to act in the absence of the Chair.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>6. Meetings</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> TEAC will meet monthly or at the call of the Chair.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>7. Quorum</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> A quorum will consist of the Chair or Vice-Chair and three (3) or more members.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>8. Attendance</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> Members absent for three (3) consecutive meetings will be considered for removal from TEAC.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>9. Minutes</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> Minutes of meetings will be prepared by the Coordinating Secretary, signed by the Chair, and distributed to members and the Minister or a designate.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>10. Confidentiality</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> TEAC deliberations and recommendations are confidential, and the Minister may release information within limitations prescribed by Provincial Law.</p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"><strong>11. Funding</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:21.3pt;"> FLNRO will provide an honorarium to the Chair and members, at a rate to be determined by the Minister. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed to all members.</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:119px;height:21px;">
<p>Media Contact:</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width:501px;height:21px;">
<p>Vivian Thomas, Communications Manager</p>
<p>Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations</p>
<p>250 356-2475</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Connect with the Province of B.C. at: <a href="http://www.gov.bc.ca/connect">www.gov.bc.ca/connect</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2013FOR0004-000063.htm">http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2013FOR0004-000063.htm</a></p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:19:39 +0000Markus Sommerauer4344 at http://forestindustries.euLetter from Steve Thomson, BC’s Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regarding timber supply action planhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/letter-steve-thomson-bc%E2%80%99s-minister-forests-lands-and-natural-resource-operations-regarding
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Letter from Steve Thomson, BC’s Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regarding timber supply action plan</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">October 18th, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ForestTalk</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://foresttalk.com/</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>With the release of ‘<em>Beyond the Beetle: A Mid-Term Timber Supply Action Plan</em>’, we have outlined a clear strategy to help our forests recover from the damage done by the mountain pine beetle infestation.</p>
<p>Unfortunately the release of the action plan has led to the spread of misinformation and it’s important for your readers to know the facts.</p>
<p>Government is not advocating logging in reserves. Reserves have been set up to manage crucial wildlife habitat, biodiversity, viewscapes and old growth forests. Those reserves are important and need to be kept.</p>
<p>If a community believes the reserves no longer serve these purposes, they can initiate a discussion with government. Only then would government consider altering any of those designations. Along with having community support, any proposed changes must be ecologically sound and supported by science. Any such proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.</p>
<p>Managing our forests is a complex issue, but the outcome we all want is simple: an industry that continues to support workers and communities. In coming up with this plan, we’re building on the $884 million we have spent since 2001 fighting the infestation and its environmental and economic impacts.</p>
<p>We’re advocating for better use of the wood in beetle-affected areas, as opposed to increasing the number of trees cut. Not all beetle-damaged timber will supply sawmills, but it will supply the growing wood bioeconomy sector. Any areas harvested will be reforested with improved seed and start to contribute ecological values sooner than they might otherwise.</p>
<p>The action plan includes a 10-year forest inventory plan, with the first five years focused on re-inventorying the hardest-hit mountain pine beetle areas – work which is already well underway. Critics say this work should have started sooner, but while the pine beetle epidemic was at its peak, the ever-changing landscape of the beetle’s destruction made it difficult to carry out a comprehensive inventory.</p>
<p>We are investing in innovative silviculture practices to grow more trees and grow them faster, and are working with licensees on comprehensive plans that cover the entire timber supply areas. These plans contribute to growing fibre but they are equally about growing healthy forests to preserve water, wildlife, visuals and other values. These five-year plans include our latest knowledge about the effects of climate change and fire management planning.</p>
<p>The action plan also proposes legislation to convert volume-based forest licences to area-based forest licences – but these conversions would only occur through local conversations and after consultation. We will also create a new supplemental forest licence to increase bioeconomy opportunities.</p>
<p>In 2001, our government inherited a forest industry that demanded reform – mired in out-dated and inefficient policies that were oblivious to a global marketplace. Despite unprecedented challenges, including the crash of the U.S. housing market along with the pine beetle infestation, we’ve implemented innovative and progressive measures to reclaim a position as a global leader in sustainable forestry.</p>
<p>Working together with communities, First Nations and industry, our accomplishments are many and varied, including new markets in Asia, a burgeoning bioeconomy sector, increased local participation in forestry through community forests and First Nation tenures, and new value-added wood building products like cross-laminated timber.</p>
<p>Based on the unanimous recommendations of an all-party legislative committee, ‘Beyond the Beetle: A Mid-Term Timber Supply Action Plan’ will position communities, First Nations and workers so they can prosper from a post-beetle forest industry in B.C.’s Interior.</p>
<p><strong>~Steve Thomson</strong><br />
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://foresttalk.com/index.php/2012/10/18/letter-from-steve-thomson-bcs-minister-of-forests-lands-and-natural-resource-operations-regarding-timber-supply-action-plan/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foresttalk%2FZdAe+%28ForestTalk%29">http://foresttalk.com/index.php/2012/10/18/letter-from-steve-thomson-bcs-minister-of-forests-lands-a...</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-tag-image field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/userfiles/1image/tag.png" style="width: 14px; height: 14px; float: left;" /></p>
</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:19:56 +0000Markus Sommerauer4203 at http://forestindustries.euWisconsin tribe has much to teach ushttp://forestindustries.eu/content/wisconsin-tribe-has-much-teach-us
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Wisconsin tribe has much to teach us</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">October 18, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Times Colonist</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.timescolonist.com/</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ray Travers</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Re: "Manage forests for the future," Oct. 17.</p>
<p>The editorial correctly observes that B.C.'s public forests must be managed for the future. The Menominee native Americans in Wisconsin are an excellent example of people doing this.</p>
<p>In 1854, they were confined to their current reservation of 235,000 acres. To survive off the limited land base, the tribe decided it must manage its forest for future generations. The rate of logging must never exceed the forest's ability to replace itself.</p>
<p>Today there is more standing timber (1.9 billion board feet) on the Menominee Forest than when they started (estimated 1.2 billion board feet) in 1854. During the same period, more than 2.25 billion board feet have been cut. The initial volume has been logged twice.</p>
<p>The Menominee have a continuous forest inventory system to monitor their forest's growth and health. Cut control is based on silvicultural prescriptions, not cut control (which B.C. does).</p>
<p>They have an open-door policy of technical information exchange with government and forest-industry forest.</p>
<p>Most Menominee foresters and technicians are tribal members, with a personal connection to their forest. They have a "What's best for the forest?" philosophy. They incorporate goals for cultural resources, diversity, wildlife habitat, water quality and esthetics into their logging plans.</p>
<p>Their local sawmill employs 125 workers and 180 more in the woods. Many people travelling the highway through the Menominee Forest think it is a park.</p>
<p>The Menominee are conserving and managing their forests wisely for both the long and short term. We can learn from them.</p>
<p>Ray Travers</p>
<p>Victoria</p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/land-tenure-rights" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Land tenure rights</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/indigenous-people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Indigenous people</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/local-communities" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Local communities</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/landnutzungsrechte" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Landnutzungsrechte</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/lokale-bev%C3%B6lkerung" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lokale Bevölkerung</a><a href="/category/forests-w%C3%A4lder/ureinwohner" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ureinwohner</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:52:26 +0000Markus Sommerauer4197 at http://forestindustries.euLong-term plan needed for B.C.'s forests http://forestindustries.eu/content/long-term-plan-needed-bcs-forests
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Long-term plan needed for B.C.&#039;s forests </h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">October 20, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Times Colonist</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.timescolonist.com</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Anthony Britneff</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Re: "Manage forests for the future," Oct. 17.</p>
<p>The editorial is spot-on in many respects.</p>
<p>What it omits is that presentations to the Special Committee on Timber Supply did not support the unsustainable logging of old-growth reserve forests, of sensitive areas and of marginally economic forests at grossly elevated rates of cut.</p>
<p>In an implicit condemnation of the government's overcutting, Hampton</p>
<p>Affiliates Ltd., the owners of the Babine Forest Products sawmill at Burns Lake, pleaded with the committee to recommend to the legislature that the chief forester immediately halve the allowable annual cut in the Lakes timber supply area so as to sustain future timber supply.</p>
<p>Forest industry presentations to the committee appear to encourage government to allow the industry to rationalize its present capacity to the realities of timber supply and markets. This means that sustainable flows of timber need to determine the number of jobs; not the other way around as the editorial rightly points out.</p>
<p>Therefore, for government to pretend to solve the timber-supply crisis without a current, reliable inventory and with the same misguided policies of unsustainable logging that created it in the first place is nothing short of lunacy.</p>
<p>What is desperately needed now to avoid long-term pain is a government program of economic diversification and social support for those whose lives have been disrupted by a decade of reckless forest policies.</p>
<p>Anthony Britneff</p>
<p>Victoria</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/news/todays-paper/Long+term+plan+needed+forests/7421215/story.html">http://www.timescolonist.com/news/todays-paper/Long+term+plan+needed+forests/7421215/story.html</a></p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:50:21 +0000Markus Sommerauer4196 at http://forestindustries.euManage forests for the futurehttp://forestindustries.eu/content/manage-forests-future
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Manage forests for the future</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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<div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/content/flegt-what-eu-fighting-indeed">FLEGT - what is the EU fighting indeed?</a></span> </div></li>
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">October 17, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Times Colonist</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.timescolonist.com</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>As it looks for ways to shore up the province's timber industry, the B.C. government is in danger of not seeing the forest for the trees.</p>
<p>The harvesting of pine beetle-damaged logs is winding down, and now lumber mills in the Interior face a shortage of logs. The government, as it should, is looking for the means to save jobs and keep the industry viable.</p>
<p>Among the remedies considered are reviewing restrictions on logging environmentally sensitive areas and marginally economic stands, and giving lumber companies more leeway to manage forest lands.</p>
<p>The possibility of opening previously protected old-growth forests to logging has stirred concerns - with reason. B.C. groups and residents have fought for years to protect old-growth forests, and the case has already been made for preserving these irreplacable resources. The public will not stand for invading these special places.</p>
<p>The government plans to re-examine areas where logging has been considered economically marginal, and to take another look at restrictions on forest reserves.</p>
<p>What is needed is a full-scale forest inventory. Much of the data available is decades old, and has likely been thrown out of whack by the pine-beetle infestation.</p>
<p>No business that sells a commodity can get by without taking inventory regularly. You don't know what you can sell until you know what you have.</p>
<p>The calculation should not be how many trees are needed to support a certain number of jobs, but how many jobs will be supported by trees available through sustainable harvest. The hard truth might well be that logging should be scaled back.</p>
<p>Forests Minister Steve Thomson said any decisions to cut old-growth forests will be based on science, but the science used should be forestry, not political science or economics. It should look not only at the quantity of lumber, but the entire ecosystem. A forest is more than a certain quantity of two-by-fours, it's a system that supports wildlife, generates tourism and recreation and protects watersheds.</p>
<p>Is it possible to have a healthy forest and still harvest timber? Of course - not only is it possible, it's essential. Using up the timber supply faster than it can be replenished means the end of the forest, the killing of the goose that lays the golden egg. No forests, no lumber industry, no jobs.</p>
<p>Noted forester Merve Wilkinson proved the worth of good forestry practices on his 28 hectares of forest near Nanaimo. After 60 years, he had taken twice the original volume of lumber from the property and was still left with 110 per cent of the volume. Wilkinson, who died in 2011, sold his property, known as Wildwood at Yellow Point, to The Land Conservancy so it could continue to be a showpiece of forestry.</p>
<p>The methods used in a relatively small parcel might not translate easily to large tracts, but the principles should be closely examined to see how they can be implemented on a larger scale.</p>
<p>If forests are depleted for short-term profit, you can be sure the result will be long-term pain.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/Manage+forests+future/7402187/story.html">http://www.timescolonist.com/Manage+forests+future/7402187/story.html</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-tag-image field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/userfiles/1image/tag.png" style="width: 14px; height: 14px; float: left;" /></p>
</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:48:55 +0000Markus Sommerauer4195 at http://forestindustries.euForests need helphttp://forestindustries.eu/content/forests-need-help
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>Forests need help</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">August 23, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Province</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.theprovince.com/</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Vicky Husband</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The unanimous decision of the special committee on timber sup-ply to support an increase of logging in "marginally economic forests" and in old-growth reserves previously ruled off limits to logging is outrageous.</p>
<p>If acted upon, the committee's recommendations will worsen the current ecological crisis, perpetuate an unsustainable rate of logging and increase milling capacity when there are simply too many mills and not enough wood.</p>
<p>Worse, the committee's disregard for public and professional opinion on timber supply and its willingness to disregard important facets of hard-fought over, consensual land-use plans threatens to jeopardize B.C.'s standing in international markets. The government would be wise to take a pass on such dangerous recommendations.</p>
<p>Vicky Husband, Victoria</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.theprovince.com/business/Forests+need+help/7132038/story.html">http://www.theprovince.com/business/Forests+need+help/7132038/story.html</a></p>
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</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:47:41 +0000Markus Sommerauer4144 at http://forestindustries.euMLAs Blow Chance to Help Us See BC's Next Forest Industryhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/mlas-blow-chance-help-us-see-bcs-next-forest-industry
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>MLAs Blow Chance to Help Us See BC&#039;s Next Forest Industry</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">22 Aug 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Tyee</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://thetyee.ca</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Bill Bourgeois</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p class="first">The Special Legislative Committee on Timber Supply has completed their <a href="http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/39thparl/session-4/timber/reports/PDF/Rpt-TIMBER-39-4-GrowingFibreGrowingValue-2012-08-15.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> intended to help the forest sector and communities impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle and more specifically address the issues related to possible re-building the Burns Lake sawmill destroyed by fire in January. The Committee positioned the report as the answer to the future of B.C.'s forest and forest dependent communities. However, they chose to limit their comments on the issues specific to their narrow Terms of Reference while not taking the opportunity to provide leadership and innovation on key issues affecting the overall management of B.C.'s forests. The Committee grossly missed the point of what is needed for the future of B.C. forests.</p>
<p>This is an opportunity lost!</p>
<p>The report recommends increasing timber supply to help Burns Lake even as it acknowledges that timber supply will drop dramatically in the coming years due to pine beetle devastation and speaks vaguely of consulting communities and First Nations in figuring out a way forward. But the report had no surprises and nothing new regarding the issues identified through the consultation process. The issues were consistent with the 2011 results arising from the Healthy Forest-Healthy Communities' community dialogue sessions and those from forest management experts. The issues and recommendations are generally known within Government or the bureaucracy for some time. There is a fear Government will position the Committee report with the Roundtable on Forestry report as the blueprint to revitalize the forest sector. This would be totally incorrect as key issues are not addressed in either report. A comprehensive strategic action plan is required rather than piece meal short-term economic actions as recommended by the Committee.</p>
<p><strong>Farther down the logging road</strong></p>
<p>The report has deficiencies in a number of critical items required to move towards healthy and productive forests that support communities and provincial revenue. Unfortunately, the Committee continued to support the Government focus on short-term economic actions and include only a few long-term sustainability actions. Missing are references to:</p>
<p>The need for an updated Sustainable Forest Management framework;</p>
<p>independent assessment of the forest inventory;</p>
<p>A focus on enhanced forest research, environmental protection and forest health;</p>
<p>Improvements in forest management;</p>
<p>A reduction in the amount of Not Significantly Regenerated land;</p>
<p>And a comprehensive community diversification action plan.</p>
<p>All these issues were raised during the consultation process. Government and industry continue to brag about B.C. forest management but this is based on 20th century actions. Others, such as Alberta are well ahead of us now. A major update of the system is essential, if we are to meet the needs of communities and the public. The Committee report does nothing in this regard.</p>
<p><strong>Where are time and money targets?</strong></p>
<p>Communities and the public could be misled as no timeline or cost estimate is provided to implement the recommendations. It will take time (5-10 years) to get meaningful results. Implementing the recommendations will be costly. It is doubtful the costs can be covered within existing Ministry budgets as they have been decreased substantially over the last several years. The Committee should have made it clear that Government needs to provide the funding and resourcing, if the overall timber supply objective is to be achieved. Without additional resources, the tendency will be for Government to limit actions to those that are superficial and support political expediency so a message of acceptance can be given with little change.</p>
<p>The lack of solid recommendations to assist communities in adapting to the "post-beetle era" is disappointing. Limiting recommendations to the Ministry giving consideration to policy changes to meet community needs is grossly inadequate. Communities need money to implement the adaptation strategies developed through the Beetle Action Coalitions. Without adequate funding, the communities will struggle like the cod fishery in the Maritimes!</p>
<p><strong>Business as usual?</strong></p>
<p>The report does have a few positives.</p>
<p>It is encouraging the Committee recommended re-establishment of the Land Use Implementation Committees to review the status of the land use plans and make recommendations on the future. Encouraging, too, are the recognition by the Committee of the importance of more involvement by communities in forest management decisions, and the Committee's recommended measured approach using science to evaluate functionality of forest reserves.</p>
<p>But the report's general lack of vision and innovation is evident in the fact it lacks the simple recommendation to create a value-added sector by dealing with log exports and bio-energy. The minimum should have been recommending a comprehensive strategic action plan that integrates forest management with community diversification opportunities and business needs.</p>
<p>There is a fear Government will make a political decision to allocate one million cubic meters per year of Allowable Annual Cut to Hampton to justify re-building the Burns Lake mill. This will be based on superficial inventory information and without the analysis recommended by the Committee. If Hampton needs a decision by Sept. 30, the mill business requirements and the report recommendations are not in sync. Reliable data and analysis will not be available. The inventory itself will take a year or more to do properly. Re-establishing the Land Use Implementation Committee to evaluate logging in forest reserves will not be done until October at the earliest and if field work is required, will not occur once the snow comes. Therefore, it will be next year before reliable data is available. Creating a non-sustainable Allowable Annual Cut is an injustice to Hampton and the communities and a recipe for disaster.</p>
<p>The report is limited and does not solve the B.C. forest management problem. <img alt=" [Tyee] " class="icoft" height="16" src="http://thetyee.cachefly.net/ui/img/ico_fishie.png" width="12" /></p>
<div class="article-footer">
<p>Dr. Bill Bourgeois is a professional forester with 38 years experience in industrial forest management and forest policy. Currently Bill is a consultant acting as the coordinator for the Healthy Forest-Healthy Communities <a href="http://bcforestconversation.com" target="_blank">initiative</a>. HFHC is a non-partisan, volunteer-supported initiative intended to capture the concerns and recommendations of experts, communities and concerned citizens regarding the future vision for B.C. forest lands and to stimulate dialogue that will shape legislation, regulation, policies and forest practices.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2012/08/22/BC-Next-Forest-Industry/">http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2012/08/22/BC-Next-Forest-Industry/</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-tag-image field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/userfiles/1image/tag.png" style="width: 14px; height: 14px; float: left;" /></p>
</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:45:39 +0000Markus Sommerauer4143 at http://forestindustries.euMLAs aren't facing the truth: B.C. forests are tapped outhttp://forestindustries.eu/content/mlas-arent-facing-truth-bc-forests-are-tapped-out
<div class="field field-name-trennlinie-ohne-leerzeile field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><hr /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="dc:title"><h1>MLAs aren&#039;t facing the truth: B.C. forests are tapped out</h1></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-more-like-this field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="view view-Similar-Entries view-id-Similar Entries view-display-id-block view-dom-id-13862ebc4ff75cd69fc5fd73f79373d7">
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<div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/content/procurement-timber">What we can do for you...</a></span> </div></li>
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<div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/content/sfm-planning">What we can do for you...</a></span> </div></li>
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<div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/content/flegt-what-eu-fighting-indeed">FLEGT - what is the EU fighting indeed?</a></span> </div></li>
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</div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-issuedate field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Issue date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">August 21, 2012</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubname field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher Name:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Province</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche1 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">---------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Publisher-Link:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">http://www.theprovince.com/</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Anthony Britneff, Ben Parfitt</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-emailpublisher field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author e-Mail:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-trennstriche2 field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">-----------------</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Since May, when a special committee of the legislature was appointed to address a looming "timber supply" crisis, questions have arisen about what the committee would say about one community in particular.</p>
<p>That community is Burns Lake, where an explosion and fire in January levelled the local sawmill — the village's major employer — killing two workers and putting another 250 out of work.</p>
<p>Well, the wait is over, and if the unanimous recommendations of the committee's Liberal and NDP MLAs are an indication, our forests and many rural communities are headed for even harder times than previously thought.</p>
<p>Here's why. Rather than focusing on the core issue (how many trees are left, and what the future holds for our forests) committee members allowed themselves to be swayed by dramatic yet unrelated events.</p>
<p>What happened in Burns Lake naturally triggered outpourings of concern. But let's be clear: the loss of the mill has nothing to do with a looming timber supply crisis. Rather, it underscores the severity of the problems ahead for numerous communities, Burns Lake included.</p>
<p>We are on the cusp of a monumental shift in our Interior forests. After a decade-plus attack by mountain pine beetles and other pests, a spate of intense wildfires and years of unsustainable logging, our forests are largely depleted of commercially desirable trees.</p>
<p>To their credit, members of the special committee on timber supply acknowledge this. They conclude that the projected drop in logging rates places eight sawmills in danger. This is probably an underestimate. Either way, when mill capacity outstrips what our forests can provide, mills must close.</p>
<p>Yet having acknowledged that existing sawmills have an appetite for wood that exceeds what our forests can provide, committee members turned around and suggested we should build another mill first and find the timber later.</p>
<p>To entice the owner of the destroyed Burns Lake mill to rebuild, the committee chose to go down the same tired road that gave rise to the timber supply crisis: push the boundaries of what can be harvested to the extreme. This was essentially the approach applied in the East Coast cod fishery, and we all know how that worked out.</p>
<p>The committee astonishingly suggested that there are actually twice as many trees to log in the forests around Burns Lake than what senior forest professionals in government estimated just last year — one million cubic metres of wood a year instead of 500,000.</p>
<p>How did the committee magically double timber supply? With three key recommendations.</p>
<p>First, that more "marginally economic" forests be logged. Second, that the government underwrite a massive fertilization program to boost tree growth. And third — and here committee members use weasel words to mask the true intent of their proposition — to increase the logging of remnant old-growth forests that were previously ruled off-limits to logging.</p>
<p>It is far from clear that this will produce enough wood to supply a rebuilt mill.</p>
<p>First "marginal" forests are marginal for a reason. They are generally of inferior quality, further from mills and more costly to log. And they are often found in places where trees grow less vigorously, for example at higher elevations. Hence, they are risky to log, both economically and environmentally.</p>
<p>Second, with government having drastically curtailed its investments in growing trees, no one should assume there is appetite for big spending increases on fertilization. Never mind the ecological impacts of repeated applications of tree fertilizers on shallow soils and on our waterways, fish populations and other plant life in our forests.</p>
<p>Third, perceived increases in old-growth logging could prove a nightmare in international markets where the B.C. government and forest companies alike have worked judiciously to have forestry operations independently certified as sustainably managed.</p>
<p>If the government embraces the committee's recommendations for Burns Lake, expect the same unsustainable logging practices to be applied provincewide, and with devastating consequences.</p>
<p>The real tragedy in the committee members' recommendations is that they are well aware of where the real challenges lie. The committee acknowledges the essential importance of improved forest inventories — looking at how many healthy trees we have. Why isn't this the first order of business? B.C. needs an expedited, thorough assessment now, before we have committed to even more unsustainable logging rates.</p>
<p>To proceed with logging increases before such work is done is irresponsible and an insult to forest-dependent communities across the province.</p>
<p>- - - - - -</p>
<p><i>Anthony Britneff recently retired from a 40-year career as a professional forester with the B.C. Forest Service. Ben Parfitt is a resource policy analyst with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.</i></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-referencelink field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.theprovince.com/news/todays-paper/MLAs+aren+facing+truth+forests+tapped/7115424/story.html">http://www.theprovince.com/news/todays-paper/MLAs+aren+facing+truth+forests+tapped/7115424/story.html</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-tag-image field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/userfiles/1image/tag.png" style="width: 14px; height: 14px; float: left;" /></p>
</div></div></div><a href="/category/topicsthemen/forestry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Forestry</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-forstwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/nachhaltige-waldwirtschaft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sfm" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">SFM</a><a href="/category/forestryforstwirtschaft/sustainable-forest-management" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable forest management</a><a href="/category/country-land/kanada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kanada</a><a href="/category/country-land/canada" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Canada</a><a href="/category/article-series/british-columbias-public-dispute-forests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">British Columbia&#039;s public dispute on Forests</a>Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:42:46 +0000Markus Sommerauer4142 at http://forestindustries.eu